PsySSA Commemorates World Autism Awareness Day 2026

PsySSA Commemorates World Autism Awareness Day 2026

PsySSA Commemorates World Autism Awareness Day 2026

 

On World Autism Awareness Day, PsySSA brings together contributions from the Division for Research and Methodology (DRM) and the Registered Counsellors and Psychometrists (RCP) to deepen understanding of autism across contexts.

Autism is a lifelong neurodevelopmental difference – shaped not only by individual experiences, but also by the environments, systems, and relationships that surround each person. These contributions highlight the importance of:

  • Challenging persistent myths and misconceptions
  • Recognising diverse ways of communicating, learning, and relating
  • Understanding the links between sensory experiences, anxiety, and emotional regulation
  • Supporting caregivers, educators, and practitioners with practical, evidence-informed strategies

In the South African context, meaningful awareness must move beyond information toward inclusion, accessibility, and dignity – ensuring that autistic individuals are supported across the lifespan, in schools, families, workplaces, and communities.

This collection invites us to reflect, learn, and act – centering lived experience and strengthening compassionate, contextually relevant care.

 

RCP Workshop – Opening Your Private Practice

RCP Workshop – Opening Your Private Practice

“Opening Your Own Private Practice”

Hosted by the PsySSA Registered Counsellors and Psychometrists (RCP) Division

 

Join the RCP division’s very own Shaazia Patel, an inspiring psychometrist, and Chantel Retter, a passionate Registered Counsellor, as they guide you through the exhilarating steps to kickstart your own practice. This informative webinar is recommended for Registered Counsellors and Psychometrists (RCP) members, as well as non-members.

Event Highlights:
From navigating the registration maze with entities like HPCSA and BHF to ensuring you are connected with the right medical aids, Shaazia and Chantel have got you covered! Plus, discover how to create eye-catching stationery and ignite your advertising strategy to make your practice shine. Don’t miss out on this opportunity — register for this workshop today!

Workshop Details:

  • Date: Monday, 30 March 2026
  • Time: 18:00 -19:30
  • Online Via Zoom
  • Cost: Free
  • 1 CPD point

 

This session will cover:

  • Navigating HPCSA and BHF registration
  • Connecting with medical aid companies
  • Creating professional stationery and documentation
  • Ethical advertising strategies
  • And more practical insights from professionals in private practice

Presented by:
Shaazia Patel – Psychometrist
Chantel Retter – Registered Counsellor

RSVP BY 24 MARCH 2026:
https://forms.gle/8mpawttp5gDZyZZr6

Contact Information: rcp@psyssa.co.zA

Shaazia Patel

Shaazia Patel

Presenter

Shaazia is a registered Psychometrist with extensive experience and knowledge in the assessment-related field. She is actively involved in various community volunteer projects. She is currently in the process of creating a project for pro-bono career assessments for those who are from disadvantaged backgrounds. Shaazia is passionate about sharing her knowledge and helping others and has been a mentor for the PsySSA Student Division National Mentorship Programme for several years. Her love for animals and helping people is leading her to attain her Master’s qualification to work within the Animal-Assisted Psychotherapy field.

Chantel Retter

Chantel Retter

Presenter

Board Exam Preparation Workshop – 15 January 2026

Board Exam Preparation Workshop – 15 January 2026

Board Exam Preparation Workshop – 15 January 2026

Our first Board Exam Preparation Workshop takes place on: 15 January 2026 at 18:00 – 20:00

This FREE, interactive workshop is designed to support and guide future psychologists as they prepare for their board examinations.

Focus areas include:
Psychometry | Counselling | Research | Educational Psychology | Industrial Psychology (newly added)

Click the link below to register now and secure your spot!

Board Exam Preparation Workshop – Save The Dates 2026

Board Exam Preparation Workshop – Save The Dates 2026

Board Exam Preparation Workshop – Save The Dates 2026

About this workshop

We’re excited to announce this year’s Board Exam Preparation Workshop series, designed to strengthen exam readiness for candidates across the psychology profession. Mark your calendars for our 2026 workshop dates:

15 January 2026 | 14 May 2026 | 10 September 2026

These sessions will offer a comprehensive, supportive, and engaging learning space for students and exam candidates in psychometry, counselling, research, educational, and – new this year – industrial psychology.

Through interactive and practice-oriented sessions, participants will unpack the structure of the board exam, explore core content domains, and strengthen the competencies required for success. The workshop also creates space for dialogue, clarity, and personalised guidance, helping each candidate cultivate the confidence needed to navigate the exam process with assurance.

We are proud to present this workshop as a collaborative initiative between our divisions:

  • The Division for Research and Methodology

  • The Society for Educational Psychology of South Africa

  • The Division of Registered Counsellors and Psychometrists

  • The South African Association of Counselling Psychology

This collective effort continues to affirm PsySSA’s commitment to advancing psychological science and practice in South Africa, upholding the highest standards of excellence, and empowering future professionals to contribute meaningfully to the well-being of our society.

More details will be shared soon – but for now, diarise the dates above to ensure you don’t miss out on this essential preparatory opportunity.

RCP Workshop – Opening Your Own Practice as a Registered Counsellor or Psychometrist

RCP Workshop – Opening Your Own Practice as a Registered Counsellor or Psychometrist

RCP Workshop – Opening Your Own Practice as a Registered Counsellor or Psychometrist

Hosted by the PsySSA Registered Counsellors and Psychometrists (RCP) Division

Join the PsySSA Division of Registered Counsellors and Psychometrists (RCP) for a free online workshop on Opening Your Own Practice as a Registered Counsellor or Psychometrist.

Workshop Details:

  • Date: Monday, 17 November 2025
  • Time: 18:00 -19:30
  • Online Via Teams

RSVP by 14 November 2025.

Contact Information: rcp@psyssa.co.za

About the Workshop:
Are you ready to take the leap into independence? Whether you’ve just passed your board exams or you’re ready to transition from employment into private practice, this workshop is designed to give you the confidence and practical know-how to launch your professional journey successfully.

Join Shaazia, an inspiring Psychometrist, and Chantel, a passionate Registered Counsellor, as they share their expertise on building a thriving practice from the ground up.

Why attend?

  • Learn the step-by-step process of registering with HPCSA, BHF, and medical aids
  • Understand what to include in your professional stationery to build credibility
  • Discover marketing and advertising strategies that attract the right clients
  • Gain clarity on the administrative essentials for running a smooth practice
  • Walk away with practical tips, templates, and guidance to fast-track your setup
  • This workshop isn’t just about theory — it’s about real, actionable strategies to help you start strong and shine in your professional journey.
Shaazia Patel

Shaazia Patel

Presenter

Shaazia is a registered Psychometrist with extensive experience and knowledge in the assessment-related field. She is actively involved in various community volunteer projects. She is currently in the process of creating a project for pro-bono career assessments for those who are from disadvantaged backgrounds. Shaazia is passionate about sharing her knowledge and helping others and has been a mentor for the PsySSA Student Division National Mentorship Programme for several years. Her love for animals and helping people is leading her to attain her Master’s qualification to work within the Animal-Assisted Psychotherapy field.

Chantel Retter

Chantel Retter

Presenter

RCP Workshop – Understanding Medical Aids and ICD-10 Codes in South Africa

RCP Workshop – Understanding Medical Aids and ICD-10 Codes in South Africa

RCP Workshop – Understanding Medical Aids and ICD-10 Codes in South Africa

Hosted by the PsySSA Registered Counsellors and Psychometrists (RCP) Division

Join the PsySSA Division of Registered Counsellors and Psychometrists (RCP) for a free CPD-accredited online workshop on Understanding Medical Aids and ICD-10 Codes in South Africa.

Webinar Details:

  • Date: Wednesday, 12 November 2025
  • Time: 18:00 -19:30
  • Platform: Online Via Teams
  • 1 General CPD Point
  • RSVP By: 10 November 2025
  • For more information, contact: rcp@psyssa.co.za

 

About the Workshop:

This workshop will provide mental health practitioners with an understadning of the International Classification of Diseases, 10th Revision (ICD-10), and its relevance to the South African context. Practitioners need clarity on coding requirements, practical implications for clinical documentation, and how these changes intersect with medical aid submissions.

Key Focus Areas:

  • Introduction to ICD-10: structure, changes, and benefits.
  • Relevance of ICD-10 for registered counsellors in South Africa
  • What practitioners need to know for claims and reimbursement
  • Common challenges and practical tips for coding in line with ICD-10
  • Q&A session to address participant concerns

Why attend?

  • Understand ICD-10 and its benefits
  • Learn how medical aids are adapting
  • Gain practical guidance for claims and coding

Perfect for Registered Counsellors and Psychometrists who want to stay compliant, confident, and up to date.

Takeaway:

Participants will leave with a clearer understanding of ICD-10 coding practices and practical strategies for navigating medical aid requirements in South Africa.

Rekha Kangokar Rama Rao

Rekha Kangokar Rama Rao

Presenter

I am a counselling psychologist, committed to fostering psychological wellbeing, resilience, and growth across diverse populations. My practice is guided by empathy, ethical responsibility, and a person-centered approach, which allows me to support clients in navigating life transitions, relationships, and personal challenges with care and integrity.

Alongside my clinical work, I hold a strong interest in the evolving relationship between psychology and artificial intelligence. I am particularly drawn to examining how AI can be ethically integrated into mental health support, education, and research, while also addressing critical questions about bias, human identity, and the role of technology in shaping relationships. This dual focus enables me to contribute to conversations at the intersection of human development and technological innovation.
By combining counselling psychology with an interest in AI, I aim to advance approaches that remain human-centered, compassionate, and grounded in evidence-based practice. I am passionate about the future of psychology in an increasingly digital world and committed to ensuring that advances in technology continue to reflect the values of care, ethics, and human connection.